Touring Vietnam

[Whisp]

If you are going to hire or even buy a scooter make sure that not only do you a rider endorsed Australian licence but also have an International Driving Permit, generally available from your local motoring organisation. Some insurance companies will not cover you without the international permit.

 

[Nuggetbuster]

Also be aware some insurances won't cover you on a bike and also if no bike licence held in Oz then non that I'm aware of will

Good luck getting travel insurance that'll cover you riding a motor bike or scooter in Vietnam. I believe it's virtually impossible unless you are able to get a Vietnamese driver's licence, which is not easy (have to be a resident or be there for work for a certain amount of time, if I recall correctly).

I'd like to be proven wrong, though, so that I can legally ride when I go there...

If you are going to hire or even buy a scooter make sure that not only do you a rider endorsed Australian licence but also have an International Driving Permit, generally available from your local motoring organisation. Some insurance companies will not cover you without the international permit.

As for an Australian International Driving Permit, it is not recognised in Vietnam:

You are required to have a valid Vietnam drivers licence to drive in Vietnam for all vehicles, including motorcycles of 50cc or more. Non-Vietnamese citizens are only permitted to drive in Vietnam if they hold a temporary Vietnamese drivers licence. Fines for driving without a valid drivers licence vary.

For a temporary Vietnamese driver's licence, the applicant must hold a valid Vietnamese residence permit of at least three (3) months validity.

Source: https://www.racv.com.au/travel-leisure/holiday-planning/international-driving-licence.html

 

[user 7268]

Stay respectful always of the religion and also Chairman Mao ....

Are you sure you have the right leader?

Was more a reference to communism than a particular countries leader. Bit hard to forget who Ho Chi Min is when you are in his city and would be lucky to move ten feet without his picture looking at you Try and exert your authority over there and the depth of the problem will increase rapidly :Y:

"Uncle Ho" and communism is a different matter entirely, publicly speaking...

But - and not intending to bring politics into it - I've found that most Vietnamese people do NOT have any love for Mao, or any leaders from China for that matter.

Ballbuster have you got any advice for the girls on their trip given your implication of knowledge on Vietnam ?
As for obtaining a licence it's really not difficult at all ........................ as long as your married to a Vietnamese national and obtain a visa exemption. Obey the Vietnamese laws and you can pretty much do as you wish ........... even work :Y: But this string is getting dragged off track here as this is simply a couple of young ladies wanting a bit of advice on a fun trip to Vietnam ........................ I don't think licences and crash courses on motorcycle riding is really required

 

[diggit]

I want to go right this second after reading this thread. Cheers for all of the great info Bogger. I could be on a plane before the missus wakes up

I jest of course....now where did I leave that passport? O O

 

[Nuggetbuster]

Stay respectful always of the religion and also Chairman Mao ....

Are you sure you have the right leader?

Was more a reference to communism than a particular countries leader. Bit hard to forget who Ho Chi Min is when you are in his city and would be lucky to move ten feet without his picture looking at you Try and exert your authority over there and the depth of the problem will increase rapidly :Y:

"Uncle Ho" and communism is a different matter entirely, publicly speaking...

But - and not intending to bring politics into it - I've found that most Vietnamese people do NOT have any love for Mao, or any leaders from China for that matter.

Ballbuster have you got any advice for the girls on their trip given your implication of knowledge on Vietnam ?
As for obtaining a licence it's really not difficult at all ........................ as long as your married to a Vietnamese national and obtain a visa exemption. Obey the Vietnamese laws and you can pretty much do as you wish ........... even work :Y: But this string is getting dragged off track here as this is simply a couple of young ladies wanting a bit of advice on a fun trip to Vietnam ........................ I don't think licences and crash courses on motorcycle riding is really required

Bigger,

Bullbuster, hey?

You must like being the centre of attention and must not like having your assertions challenged.

Advice? Yeah, my advice is for Bigwave's girls to check for themselves the travel insurance and legal implications regarding just jumping on a motorcycle when in Vietnam, if that's what they are now thinking of doing.

I was attempting to correct some potentially damaging misinformation regarding the legality of riding a motor bike in Vietnam... it's great of you to encourage these two young ladies (or anyone else) to just jump on a bike and enjoy themselves over there (as I have, quite a few times), but if something happenes, they should be aware that they will most likely NOT be covered by their travel insurance policy, whether they have a bike licence here in Australia or not... and if they have an accident and are found to have cause damage or personal injury to humans, well...

Like I said, I'd be ecstatic to be shown that I'm wrong (with supporting references / web pages), as when I go over there I do just jump on scooters for my usual mode of transportation and hope for the best, knowing that if something happenes it could be a bit of an expensive situation.

As for obtaining a licence it's really not difficult at all ........................ as long as your married to a Vietnamese national and obtain a visa exemption.

Yeah, well, Bogger's girls are going for 2 weeks later this month, and he didn't mention either of them being married to Vietnamese nationals.

I enjoyed the photos, as they brought back memories for me.

---

BigWave, all the best to your daughters - I hope that they have a fun and safe trip.

I don't want to derail this thread any more than I apparently have - my apologies.

Over and out.

 

[BigWave]

Thanks all.
The girls ride trail here in Aus on a mate's land but without road licenses, so they'll be using bus and train.
This thread now has me wanting to go as well.
My son and I both ride road/trail, so I'm thinking of taking him along for a ride.
Cheers BW

 

[user 7268]

Are you sure you have the right leader?

Was more a reference to communism than a particular countries leader. Bit hard to forget who Ho Chi Min is when you are in his city and would be lucky to move ten feet without his picture looking at you Try and exert your authority over there and the depth of the problem will increase rapidly :Y:

"Uncle Ho" and communism is a different matter entirely, publicly speaking...

But - and not intending to bring politics into it - I've found that most Vietnamese people do NOT have any love for Mao, or any leaders from China for that matter.

Ballbuster have you got any advice for the girls on their trip given your implication of knowledge on Vietnam ?
As for obtaining a licence it's really not difficult at all ........................ as long as your married to a Vietnamese national and obtain a visa exemption. Obey the Vietnamese laws and you can pretty much do as you wish ........... even work :Y: But this string is getting dragged off track here as this is simply a couple of young ladies wanting a bit of advice on a fun trip to Vietnam ........................ I don't think licences and crash courses on motorcycle riding is really required

Bigger,

Bullbuster, hey?

You must like being the centre of attention and must not like having your assertions challenged.

Wasn't aware a bit of advice was asserting anything ?
Advice? Yeah, my advice is for Bigwave's girls to check for themselves the travel insurance and legal implications regarding just jumping on a motorcycle when in Vietnam, if that's what they are now thinking of doing.
I was attempting to correct some potentially damaging misinformation regarding the legality of riding a motor bike in Vietnam... it's great of you to encourage these two young ladies (or anyone else) to just jump on a bike and enjoy themselves over there (as I have, quite a few times), but if something happenes, they should be aware that they will most likely NOT be covered by their travel insurance policy, whether they have a bike licence here in Australia or not... and if they have an accident and are found to have cause damage or personal injury to humans, well...

Given I had already said Also be aware some insurances won't cover you on a bike and also if no bike licence held in Oz then non that I'm aware of will
plus If they are not seasoned bike riders then don't hire a bike as injury may well result as the traffics pretty hectic. not sure how I am encouraging anyone to ride ?

Like I said, I'd be ecstatic to be shown that I'm wrong (with supporting references / web pages), as when I go over there I do just jump on scooters for my usual mode of transportation and hope for the best, knowing that if something happenes it could be a bit of an expensive situation.

As for obtaining a licence it's really not difficult at all ........................ as long as your married to a Vietnamese national and obtain a visa exemption.

Yeah, well, Bogger's girls are going for 2 weeks later this month, and he didn't mention either of them being married to Vietnamese nationals.
My girls aren't going ?

I enjoyed the photos, as they brought back memories for me.

---

BigWave, all the best to your daughters - I hope that they have a fun and safe trip.

I don't want to derail this thread any more than I apparently have - my apologies.

Over and out.

Glad you enjoyed the pics but would be nice if someone could just place a post sometime without having it nit picked the guts out of and also being miss quoted don't you think ? When someone is wrong and if they are wrong as I have been many times in my life there is a polite way to correct them and also another which is just pig arrogant ......... food for thought perhaps ? Unsure of your agenda regards this ? But certainly not anything I have any desire to be part of so will just leave it at that and hope BW's girls have a safe trip and a great time and the offer still stands if myself or family can be of any assistance whilst they are there. :Y:

Now to get this string back on the pleasant nature of which it was started

Street vendors

Innovation abounds in Viet

Crops processed at the front door.

Mekong Delta the food bowl of Vietnam

 

[user 7268]

Saigon River

 

[Nuggetbuster]

Glad you enjoyed the pics but would be nice if someone could just place a post sometime without having it nit picked the guts out of and also being miss quoted don't you think ? When someone is wrong and if they are wrong as I have been many times in my life there is a polite way to correct them and also another which is just pig arrogant ......... food for thought perhaps ? Unsure of your agenda regards this ? But certainly not anything I have any desire to be part of so will just leave it at that and hope BW's girls have a safe trip and a great time and the offer still stands if myself or family can be of any assistance whilst they are there. :Y:

Now to get this string back on the pleasant nature of which it was started

Obvious mistake aside (Bigwave's girls are going, not Bogger's), looking back and reading through the posts a bit more carefully (using my phone, so sometimes posts are hard to keep track of), I admit it seems that I may have twisted your words and drawn conclusions which you did not state. My apologies for that.

It's no excuse, but I have been run ragged with work lately and have not had much rest, and maybe I didn't read and comprehend what you wrote properly. Maybe I should not have posted in that state.

I can assure you that I have no agenda besides my intention to clarify, as misguided as it may have been.

My comment about Mao was an honest question, as I have never experienced a Vietnamese person convey any sort of respect to him, and thought I may have been missing something.

Pig arrogant... yes, maybe I came across that way.

Apologies to all.

 

[nucopia]

The digger and I lived in Thailand for a year back in 2005-6 , when the kids were young and a few times we needed to leave to extend our visa's. We went to Cambodia and Laos on two occassions. Now after reading through this thread and seeing the pictures posted, Im regretting not going to Viatnam.
It looks like a place we both would have enjoy visiting. Maybe one day we will get the time and the money to go there and spend some time exploring the place.
Its on the top of my list of places to visit and explore.
:Y:

 

[user 7268]

Nugget appreciate the post .................... sincerely do ..................... as at the end of the day it's all about getting along. Hope we catch up some day and shake your hand ............. which would be even better if it was on the verandah at Matildas in Vung Tau :Y:
Apology also for the arrogant comment as your post has certainly shown this to not be the case :Y:
Can hear the beep beep of a thousand plus bikes plus the smell of food cooking wafting across the street as I type.

 

[user 7268]

For anyone that hasn't been unless your looking for a Las Vegas type holiday I don't think you could possibly not love the place. If you decide to go but the sooner the better as sadly the tourist element is also destroying a lot of what is the beauty of Vietnam. The change over the past ten years has been unbelievable to witness and personally have found it very quickly becoming like a new Bali sadly. One of the best things is the cost is minimal and if you incorporate it into savings to be had re dental work can actually end up as a free trip. On that note if anyone wants dentist details let me know as the dentist I go to have been doing so for ten years and have a dozen other aussies also do the same. Never a problem with any work done and my teeth are the best they have ever been as in Australia I simply couldn't afford the work done.
As has been said no need to use travel agents ................... cost will double. Simply book a ticket with one of the many airlines that fly there and accommodation is available in abundance (except at time of TET) Enjoy :Y:
Damn I can taste hot pork wrapped in a freshly toasted baguette

Nucopia wifes family live only an hour from Cambodian border ................... quick bike ride and your there :Y:

 

[goldtruck59]

I have been overseas only to Tassy and NZ.
Worldly , hardly !!!
I have read all this blog with interest as to learn why anyone would want to go to any Asian country for a holiday.
I say this because it has been my understanding that they are incredibly crowded and very hot. Reading bloggers posts and viewing the pics it paints a different and inviting picture.
A mate of mine has been trying to get me to Thailand for ages. He reckons he can sit around all day in a pool in a 5 star hotel ( for about 30 bucks a day) where the Heinekens and Coronas are less than a buck each, the tuckers grouse etc etc.
Maybe one day Ill go for a look see. I have way too many places I need to get to in Oz first followed by my dream holiday when I am spending 3 months in the states doing route 66 ( for my 60th) and visiting the south inc all the Elvis places of interest. Gonna have me a shrimp Gumbo and chicken fried steak and ride on one of those hovercraft thingies on the Bayous. Oh and a few nights on a paddle streamer on the Mississippi thinking I'm Maverick.
Its yeeha for me for now and maybe Ti s nhn thy nhng k quan ca chu sau ny nu ti sng qu lu!

GT

 

[user 7268]

GT get quite often caught between a trip to FNQ and a trip to Vietnam .................... if only time and money was endless
Ti s nhn thy nhng k quan ca chu sau ny nu ti sng qu lu! ...................... got the wife to translate for me :Y:

Is this what you had in mind ? $24 Aust a night in Vung Tau. Always when given price confirm it's Oz dollars as most often will be US price they give and makes quite a difference to actual cost.

Vung Tau $22 a night with private balcony

 

[goldtruck59]

Yes mate that's what I can imagine as being the ducks guts. Just add a bevy or two !!!
Its going to be 42 degrees in my nick of the woods today and Ive got it all planned.
2pm- get in pool
2.01 pm open Boags premium
2.21 pm open Boags premium
2.36 pm open Boags Premium
2.51 decide whether to get out of the pool too to the lavy !! Nah its my pool LOL
3.10 had enough Boags time for a cider
3.30 Cider
3.50 Cider
4.10 same conundrum- yep out I get as I am turning into a water logged thingie- ah the toilet
4.30 is it time for a bundy yet nah
4.30-5.30 siesta under the brolly
5.30 start above again except insert a BBQ about 7
9pm bed if I can find it. arty: arty: ]

heading out to the above in a few moments to check water temp before plunging in in prep for 2pm.

GT

 

[user 7268]

Very nice mate ....................... was just talking to Dean from DD in Bendigo and he said was in for a scorcher ................... out of Castlemaine myself so know your area pretty well.
Myself it's currently 31 in the shade and in the middle of pulling a trans out of a 4x4 ............................ but ........................... tomorrow off to Fraser Island so that gives one inspiration :Y:

 

[xcvator]

Hey GT where are you, I'm on my way, I can knock with my elbows

 

[BigWave]

Interesting to see where my thread has gone.
Seems we've all been invited to GT's for a drunken BBQ?
I'm in

 

[xcvator]

Can we have Vietnamese food please, Asian food goes well with beer

 

[user 7268]

Lucky I don't drink with Vietnamese on the menu every night I'd be an alcho
Ben Thanh night market they set up restaurants every night and the food ain't to shabby